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Jul 25, 2024

“The Best of Broadway” Performance Slated to Benefit Sandy Hook Promise on 9/22

Broadway stars and alumni will be making their way from New York City to Fairfield, Connecticut on September 22, 2024, to perform in “The Best of Broadway,” a benefit for Sandy Hook Promise. In an evening to honor lives taken in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, a group of extraordinary Broadway stars will lift up their voices to raise funds and awareness to prevent gun violence.Proceeds from the event will go to Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a leading national nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent gun violence. The financial support will allow them to teach more people the warning signs of potential gun violence and how to get help. Their signature Know the Signs programs are proven to have averted at least 16 planned school shooting attacks, hundreds of youth suicides, and countless other acts of violence.This star-infused evening of music and dance features Broadway stars from the casts of: Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago, City of Angels, CATS, Jekyll & Hyde, and more. Hosted by Tony award winner James Naughton and legendary folk star Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step, the performance is the first of its kind in Connecticut.Cast members as of July 2024 include:<ul><li>James Naughton: Tony Award Winner, City of Angels, Chicago</li><li>Craig Schulman: Former Phantom & Jean Valjean, Les Miserables</li><li>Ted Keegan: Former Phantom, National Tour</li><li>Keith Buterbaugh: Former Raoul and Phantom, Broadway, National Tour</li><li>Dodie Pettit: Original Cast Phantom, Ballet Populaire, Christine</li><li>Frank Mastrone: Original Cast Phantom, Title Role, Jekyll & Hyde, Les Miserables</li><li>Terry Eldh: Phantom Broadway, Carlotta</li><li>Scott Mikita: Phantom Broadway, Multiple roles, 7500 shows</li><li>Paul Schoeffler: Broadway Rock of Ages, Sunset Blvd, Beauty and the Beast</li><li>Robert Cuccioli: Jekyll & Hyde plus AZTEC TWO-STEP 2.0</li></ul>Also on the program are student scholarship recipients from Connecticut Dance School in Fairfield, a student chorus from Wiremill Academy of Performing Arts in Redding, a special screening of the trailer for “A Father's Promise,” and an auction led by Joe Gray - the opening act at the Apollo for 25 years. A list of VIPs (to be announced in September) will be in attendance, including Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley, co-founders and CEOs of Sandy Hook Promise.Dodie Pettit, co-producer, explains, “We are coming together to add our voices and spirit to help Sandy Hook Promise continue to spread their good works. We put this show together with the incredible generosity of my Broadway family who have donated their talent and time to raise money and awareness for one of the most important causes of our time. After my husband, Rex (Fowler), was approached to donate his song ‘Living in America’ for the new Sandy Hook film ‘A Father’s Promise’ and appear at their NYC concert film debut in December 2023, we were deeply moved by the Sandy Hook Foundation. I approached Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden about producing a fundraising concert, and ‘The Best of Broadway’ was born.”“The Best of Broadway” is proudly sponsored by Moffly Media, Lamar Advertising, Wings4Peace, and Westport Downtown Association. Sponsorship opportunities are open through August 16th. Contact Dodie Pettit at graypet@aol.com if you are interested in sponsoring the event, offering a monetary or in-kind donation, or advertising in the program.For tickets, the full cast list, and more information, visit <a href="http://broadwaypromise.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">broadwaypromise.com</a>.

Jul 22, 2024

Absentee ballots available Tuesday, July 23 for Newtown voters

Absentee ballots available Tuesday, July 23rdAPPLY FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR  AUGUST 13, 2024 STATE PRIMARY<a href="https://www.newtown-ct.gov/town-clerk/files/8-13-24-rep-ballot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">Sample Ballot</a>Absentee Ballots for the August 13, 2024 State Primary will be available at the Town Clerk’s Office starting Tuesday, July 23, 2024. <a href="https://www.newtown-ct.gov/calendar/month/2024-08" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">(In person early voting will be conducted by the Registrar of Voters from August 5-11, 2024.)</a>Absentee ballots may be applied for by any qualified voter unable to vote at the pollsdue to the following reasons:<ul><li>My active service in the Armed Forces of the United States</li><li>My absence from my town of residence</li><li>Sickness</li><li>My religious tenets which forbid secular activity on the day of the election, primary or referendum</li><li>My duties as a primary, election or referendum official at a polling place other than my own during all of the hours of voting</li><li>Physical disability</li></ul>**<a href="https://oabr-sots.ct.gov/OABR/absenteeBallotReqPortalHome.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">ONLINE PORTAL TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT</a>** If you are a registered voter and have a valid CT DMV Driver’s License or State ID, you can now apply online for an absentee ballot. The Town Clerk will be notified of your online application and will promptly mail your ballot to the address designated on the application.  Click here: <a href="https://oabr-sots.ct.gov/OABR/absenteeBallotReqPortalHome.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">Online portal application</a>.  If you do not have a valid CT DMV ID on file with the state, then you must print a paper application. Click here:  <a href="https://www.newtown-ct.gov/town-clerk/files/absentee-ballot-fillable-application" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">Absentee ballot application</a>Online portal will be available for the Presidential Election starting August 7thReturning your ballot options:<ul><li>Official Ballot Drop Box-Outside the North and South Entrances of</li></ul>the Municipal Center available 24 hours<ul><li>By Return Mail:</li></ul>Town ClerkDebbie Aurelia Halstead3 Primrose StreetNewtown, CT 06470<ul><li>In person Monday-Friday 8am to 4:30pm</li></ul>If you should have any questions regarding absentee ballots, please email the Town Clerk’s office at: <a href="mailto:town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">town.clerk@newtown-ct.gov</a> or call <a href="tel:203-270-4210" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(9, 105, 202);">203-270-4210</a>

Jul 17, 2024

Summer Drive-in at Edmond Town Hall continue this weekend with The Lorax

Summer drive-in movies at Edmond Town Hall are underway and heating up summer nights!July 19 & 20 – <a href="https://edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com/drive-in-the-lorax/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Lorax (PG)</a>July 26 & 27 – <a href="https://edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com/drive-in/dates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Jurassic Park (PG-13)</a>  Aug 9 & 10 – <a href="https://edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com/drive-in-dazed-and-confused/details" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Dazed and Confused (R)</a>   Aug 16 & 17 – <a href="https://edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com/drive-in-footloose/dates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Footloose (PG)</a>  Aug 23 & 24 – <a href="https://edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com/drive-in-indiana-jones-and-the-raiders-of-the-lost-ark/dates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG)</a> Aug 30 & 31 - <a href="https://edmondtownhall.ticketleap.com/drive-in-harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-stone/dates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (PG)</a>Tickets: <ul><li>$20 per carload </li><li>$6 walk-in </li></ul>Gates open at 8 PM, and the movie magic begins at dusk (around 9 PM). Purchase tickets and learn more: <a href="https://www.edmondtownhall.org/2024-drive-in-theater" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.edmondtownhall.org/2024-drive-in-theater/</a>Edmond Town Hall partnered with <a href="https://overheaddoorbrookfield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Overhead Door Company of Brookfield,</a>  <a href="https://theinteriordesignstudio.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">IDS Home | Design | Baby</a> and <a href="https://newenglandelectricalct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">New England Electrical Contracting </a>to bring you a summer of movies under the stars.

Jul 17, 2024

Newtown Stage Company Presents: Disney’s Frozen Jr. August 2 , 3 and 4

<h3>Newtown Stage Company Presents: Disney’s Frozen Jr.</h3>August 2, 7:00 PM - August 4, 6:00 PM | $15Dates: August 2, 3, & 4, 2024This summer, Newtown Stage Company will host a two-week camp, culminating in a full-scale production of Frozen Jr. at the Edmond Town Hall Theatre in Newtown. The production stars young actors in 3rd-9th grades.<a href="https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/newtown-stage-company/6672f3bf197d6f0e3e0ba865" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Purchase tickets</a>

Jul 15, 2024

Charles Ives Music Festival presents Ives at 150: His Living Legacy

Each summer, the Charles Ives Music Festival (CIMF) celebrates the legacy of Charles Ives, but this summer his impact on American music is particularly pronounced as we approach what would have been his 150th birthday in October. Through our professional artist concert series, we honor Ives's legacy not just with performances of his wonderfully inventive and captivating music, but also through performances of music by living American composers, for whom Ives helped set the stage over a century ago by writing music that sounded distinctively American. This summer, each concert is centered around one of Ives's defining contributions to the body of American music - from violin and piano music, to his creative use of American folk music, his conception of storytelling, and his boundary-breaking reimagination of the concert music experience. The concerts, performed by our world-class artist-faculty who join us in Connecticut from July 28-August 10, 2024 from all around the United States, feature music by living composers including Chris Beroes-Haigis, Alexandra Bryant, John Corigliano, Reena Esmail, Adolphus Hailstork, Michael Ippolito, Maria Schneider, Augusta Read Thomas, Alex Weiser, Takashi Yoshimatsu, our composition program director Jon Cziner and CIMF Artistic Director Paul Frucht, alongside staples from the repertoire by Barber, Beach, Gershwin, Ravel, and of course, Charles Ives. Our faculty are joined by three outstanding artists-in-residence, mezzo-soprano Kara Dugan, pianist Peter Dugan, and GRAMMY-winning violinist Charles Yang.AMERICANSunday, July 28, 2024 - 4:00 PM - Lounsbury House (316 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT)Featuring CIMF Artists Metropolitan Opera Orchestra violinist Julia Choi and concert pianist Mika Sasaki and an engaging program including Sonata No. 4 by Charles Ives, The Old Question by Alex Weiser, Romance by Amy Beach, selections from Porgy & Bess by George Gershwin, select movements from Excursions by Samuel Barber, and Sonata for Violin and Piano by John Corigliano.SPIRITUALThursday, August 1, 2024 - 7:00 PM - Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (152 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT)CIMF Artists flutist Katie Althen-Velázquez, violinists JeremíasSergiani-Velázquez and George Meyer, violist Jacob Shack, cellists Mitch Lyon an Francesca McNeeley perform Big Sky, Low Horizon by Micahel Ippolito, Plea for Peace by Augusta Read Thomas, <a href="https://youtu.be/6Wqw2IMxNwQ?si=cIP2CObSRpxCq4rU&t=1038" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mysterium</a> by Alexandra Bryant, Largo Cantabile by Charles Ives, “Adagio” from String Quartet No. 1by Adolphus Hailstork and Spoken in Waves by Chris Beroes-Haigis.INFINITETuesday, August 6, 2024 - 7:00 PM\ - MoCA CT (19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport, CT)CIMF Artists and guest musicians perform solo work to large ensemble pieces including Inconvenient Wounds by ReeneEsmail, And Birds Are Still by Takashi Yoshimatsu, Nifrasch by Jon Cziner, Mother Goose Suite by Maurice Ravel, and The Unanswered Question by Charles Ives, with addendum by Paul Frucht.TRAILBLAZINGSaturday, August 10, 2024 - 7:00 PM - Ives Concert Hall atWhite Hall on the WCSU Campus (181 White Street, Danbury, CT)An exciting evening of music including works by Dvorak, Mendelssohn, Ives, Paul Frucht, Duke Ellington, Maria Schneider and more, and featuring CIMF Artists and 2024 CIMF Artists-in-Residence Grammy-winning violinist Charles Yang, concert pianist Peter Dugan, and acclaimed mezzo soprano Kara Dugan.In addition to the four artist concerts, artist-faculty and guest artists will work closely with the 50 youth musicians attending the CIMF two-week educational and performance program this summer, culminating in three student concerts -- two chamber music concerts and a chamber orchestra and symphony orchestra performance. Both the CIMF Chamber Orchestra and full Orchestra are led by CIMF Orchestra Director and WCYO Music Director Eric Mahl.We look forward to a wonderful two weeks of music-making and hope you will join us this July and August! For more information on the concerts, visit charlesivesmusicfestival.org/concerts-summer-2024/The mission of the Charles Ives Music Festival is to honor the legacy of Charles Ives by bringing American music to the Fairfield County area, a community that is home to one of America’s most famous composers. CIMF concerts regularly feature dynamic and unique artists performing works of 20th and 21st-century American composers, and music that transcends the traditional boundaries of classical music. CIMF also provides interactive educational events, centered around the exploration of chamber music, for both children and adults in our community. As a program of the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra, CIMF furthers the WCYO mission to educate and inspire young musicians through the study and performance of classical and contemporary musical works, participation in enrichment activities, and engagement with the community.

Jul 14, 2024

Red Cross helps family after fire on Alpine Drive in Sandy Hook

The American Red Cross is helping one family – two adults after a fire today on Alpine Drive, Sandy Hook. The Red Cross provided assistance to meet the family's immediate needs. Responders included: Cheryl Engels, John Klopfenstein and Nicole Brouillette.The Red Cross also provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup; notification of important contacts; dealing with damaged items and more. The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, shaving supplies and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire.Those affected will connect with Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan. The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and commitment of our volunteers.

Jul 11, 2024

Farm to Table Dinner at Castle Hill Farm on August 10

Experience an enchanting evening filled with delicious food, lively conversation, and good music as we celebrate the bounty of local farms at the beautiful Castle Hill Farm in Newtown, Connecticut. This special event, set to take place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 6:00 PM, promises to be a memorable occasion for all who attend.Purchase your tickets <a href="https://www.castlehillfarm.net/farm-to-table-dinners?cid=d5f78795-c6bf-4641-8917-033d533b52fc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.Guests will be treated to a culinary feast prepared by Executive Chef Michael Bick of Some Things Fishy Catering Ltd. Known for his innovative approach to farm-to-table cuisine, Chef Bick will craft a menu that highlights the freshest ingredients sourced directly from local farms. Each dish will not only tantalize your taste buds but also pay homage to the rich agricultural heritage of the region.Complementing the exquisite food will be specialty drinks by Pours and Carriage, a local favorite known for their creative and expertly crafted beverages. Their unique concoctions will provide the perfect pairing for the evening's menu, ensuring a delightful dining experience.As you savor each bite and sip, enjoy the company of friends and the backdrop of the stunning Castle Hill Farm. The evening will be filled with lively conversation and good music, creating an atmosphere that celebrates community, local farms, and the joys of gathering together.Don't miss this extraordinary event at Castle Hill Farm—a celebration of local flavors, friendship, and the beauty of summer in Connecticut. Join us for an unforgettable evening on August 10, 2024, and experience the magic of this charming venue and its bountiful surroundings.